Gina Scott / Winonan

Auditions were held for Winona State University’s Runner Up Improv group on March 2 to find new members to build their group and fill the spots of the two graduating members. Six students were accepted into the group and participated in their first two rehearsals this week.

While the existing members have gotten used to performing with each other, they have welcomed the new members with open arms.

“I should’ve expected all the hugging, but it kind of caught me off guard at first,” junior and newly inducted member Anthony Ferk, said.

Some members of Runner Up have been improvising with the group for years. However, introducing the new members has been a fun and smooth transition for the group.

“The group was really well-bonded together and it was really awesome to jump into this inviting, family-like atmosphere,” first-year Andy Glischinski said.

Rehearsals include improv games — a rehearsal does not end without everyone being involved and acting in front of the group.

Feedback, tips and tricks are given after each game and critiques are always constructive and inspiring.

“It doesn’t seem like something you would need to know a ton about to do,” Tomb said. “But there’s a lot of rules and things you should look out for.”

During rehearsal Thursday, March 17, the group got a laugh out of one of the new members portraying guns with his index and middle fingers as the barrels. After the scene was done, they informed the student how one rule of improv is to hold your hands how you would hold a gun in reality, with your fingers on “the trigger.”

First-year Will Diedrick hopes to learn more about himself as he learns to widen his talents in improv and acting.

“I would like to pick up that free-flowing mind set,” Diedrick said. “I want to be able to communicate right on the spot because I think it’s something that is applicable to the real world,” Diedrick said.

The new members of Runner Up are ready to bring a new energy to the group and hope to set the foundation for more years to come.

“I believe I’m a good team player who can really feed off other people’s energy,” Tomb said. “This just seems like a really great group that strives to work hard together and I feel like I can be a really good participant.”

The new recruits of Runner Up will not only learn through what the previous members teach them, but also bring a fresh wave of comedy for the group to utilize.

Students are all welcome to see the new members and what they’ve learned on April 19, at Runner Up’s next show.